We're having the same conversation with headteachers, SENDCOs and education experts across the country right now, that more and more children and young people are arriving to school in a heightened emotional state. Some pupils haven't slept well or are carrying anxiety, overwhelm, and may be struggling with emotionally-based school avoidance. Morning transitions can also be particularly difficult for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) or who have experienced past traumas. Entering the classroom first thing in the morning can just be too much. For many settings, simply having a calm corner in the classroom isn't an effective solution anymore. Let's discuss the impact of introducing transition spaces at your school...
As many of you reading this will have already experienced, the traditional school morning unfortunately doesn't work for every pupil, and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) is only becoming more common. Many children and young people struggle to cross the threshold from home to school, which can be heightened by stepping into busy corridors, crowded classrooms and the bustling morning school environment. The start of the school day can be a huge source of anxiety and overwhelm for students, especially if they are expected to engage straight away before having an opportunity to emotionally regulate.
Introducing an effective transition space at school is more than just creating a calm corner in your classroom or adding some cushions to your library area. An effective transition space is a dedicated, purpose-built and calming additional environment designed to support struggling students to emotionally prepare for the school day.
A transition space offers a gentle arrival point, perhaps somewhere pupils can access earlier in the morning before the rush of other students begins. This gives them a soft start to the school day, providing a bridge between their home and the classroom. A transition space should typically be a low-stimulation environment, designed with neutral colours, soft lighting and comfortable seating to reduce sensory overwhelm and provide a sense of safety and comfort. Essentially, design choices should be made to help calm students and avoid anything which may amplify their stress or anxiety.
As for the contents of the transition space, many schools offer a range of calming tools to support emotional regulation, depending on the needs of their students. This may look like weighted blankets and sensory toys or materials for colouring and reading, giving children a chance to relax or play independently. There should also be access to structured support with a trusted key adult who can offer assurance and help pupils to develop coping strategies. This could involve using emotion cards or practicing mindfulness which can help pupils to prepare mentally and emotionally and transition calmly to the classroom to begin the school day.
When children are provided with access to effective transition spaces where they can emotionally regulate or mentally prepare for entering the classroom to engage academically, it can have a hugely positive impact on their ability to attend school and calmly face the pressures of the school day. Here are some of the key impacts:
In the past, most schools had a few pupils who struggled with emotionally based school avoidance or who struggled with the traditional school morning. Today, many schools are seeing much larger numbers of pupils who would benefit from a soft start and a dedicated transition space. The problem with this is that schools lack the space in their main school building to meet capacity demands and support every struggling pupil with managing the school day. Originally, school infrastructure wasn't designed or built with transition spaces in mind, and sadly re-purposing existing space can often mean compromising valuable areas like the library or staff room.
But that's where our education experts at Cabins for Schools come in! We design, manufacture and install modular buildings specifically for schools, creating space for education to thrive. We've been doing a lot of work with schools across the country to create transition spaces - calm, focused and safe environments where children can access support and emotionally regulate before the school day commences.
With a modular transition space, you can create a fully bespoke room tailored to the scale of need at your setting, without impacting your existing infrastructure. Some schools opt for a small, cosy log cabin that they can open early in the morning, while others require a larger space where more pupils can access a soft start to their school day. Either way, we will design and build the perfect transition space for your setting.
Recently, we've had an influx of enquiries from schools asking us to create transition spaces which connect with the outdoors, since nature plays such a significant role in supporting emotional regulation. As we have discussed in our previous blog 'How to Build a Biophilic Learning Environment', there are huge benefits involved with connecting with nature to support emotional regulation, focus, and overall wellbeing. Adopting biophilic design principles is so important for transitional spaces, as they help struggling pupils to feel calm, grounded and secure.
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as timber finishes, greenery, soft lighting inspired by natural daylight, and access to outdoor spaces. Large windows and bi-fold doors can invite natural light and views of greenery, while offering a seamless connection between the indoors and out. Even the textures and materials used like timber, natural fabrics, and earth‑toned finishes can reduce sensory overwhelm and encourage a sense of comfort.
In a well‑designed transition space, these elements work together to reduce anxiety and help students settle into the school day. The result is a space that goes beyond the functional - it becomes a supportive, restorative area that meets the emotional needs of your pupils, making every morning a smoother, calmer experience for students and staff alike.
If like many educational settings across the country your calm corner is no longer large enough or adequate for the scale of need, or you are experiencing rising instances of EBSA, sensory overwhelm and anxiety among your pupils, it's time to consider creating a dedicated transition space. Let's give your pupils the space, time, and dedicated environment they need for a calm and connected transition into the school day.
By working with our education building experts at Cabins for Schools, you can build a better start to the school day for all of your pupils. Your educational setting deserves a space which meets the needs of your children and young people, without compromising important pre-existing spaces in your main school building. We will work with you to design, manufacture and install a transition space which supports your pupils' wellbeing, alleviates morning anxiety, and makes a real difference to their daily experience and outcomes.
If you are interested in exploring a bespoke transition space for your school, get in touch.